At 02:12 PM 1/10/07 -0500, MarcatoGSD@xxxxxxx wrote: >I guess I disagree because it shouldn't be taken away because YOU feel like >it. It should be taken away because something dangerous is in it, or you >need >to put something in it. Then what would be the difference in the dog's mind? Taking away the food is simply taking away the food, to them. If they don't learn at a young age that YOU control the food, the affection, or the games and toys, a pushy dominant puppy will learn to rule the roost pretty quick, causing lots more problems down the road. A puppy who learns that humans give, maybe take and give back will probably learn respect and compliance in most situations. We expect our dogs to be tolerant of people who will train, groom, handle, or take them away, we want them to be respectful and not exhibit aggression or other behaviours which might come naturally and can be eliminated with good puppy socializing and raising, and we definitely DON'T want them to nail an errant child who may pass too close to something that is "theirs". Teaching a dog tolerance and good social skills is part of raising a happy and well adjusted animal. >I won't tolerate my dog growling at me for foolish things, and I CAN take >anything I need to from him (including high valued RMBs and pig ears), but >taking >things away just to "test" the dog or what have you? Good way to get bit >IMO, and not the dog's fault. Without training and testing, how do you know he will or will not bite? Your experience with your dog works for you, but I think with a big percentage of dogs, good leadership skills need to be established while they are puppies, and taking their food away shouldn't ever be a cause for concern. Jill -- Internal Virus Database is out-of-date. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.0.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.15/580 - Release Date: 12/8/06 ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2006. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - www.showgsd.org ============================================================================